Despite a glimmer of rain, uncertainty surrounding the season caused bull buyers to be cautious during the 17th annual Kirraweena Glenholm Hereford and Poll Hereford bull sale on Wednesday.
However, repeat buyers needed to secure replacement bulls and were able to purchase their selection against some determined bidding at the sale of Geoff and Heather Bush.
A top price of $4000 was reached on three occasions with long-term client Dorothy Griggs, Yang-Yalley, Araluen, purchasing Kirraweena Novak, a son of Curracabark Junee J106.
The 23-month-old weighed 822 kilograms and sat in the top 10 per cent of the breed for retail beef yield of +1.6. He had rib and rump fat scans of five and eight millimetres respectively with a 38 centimetre scrotal circumference.
Mrs Griggs was attracted to the bull for his scale and good shape, rich colour and soft skin.
“We have been buying bulls here for 65 years, starting with Geoff’s father, and they perform well in our country,” she said.
“He is a good looking bull. I am very happy with the bloodline”.
Eight of the 15 bulls offered sold to an average of $3428.
Also reaching top money was the bull Glenholme Napoleon. He was purchased by John Johnston, Nwobelong, Bugaldie, and had positive carcase traits as well as a positive eye muscle area (EMA) of +3.8. He recorded a 43 centimetre scrotum and weighed 852 kilograms.
The third top price was paid by Viewfield Herefords, Binda, for a homozygous poll bull, Glenholm Nelson.
The son of Minlacowie Griffin from Glenholme Doreen E045, had estimated breeding values of +4.8 for birth weight and +85 for 600-day growth.
Repeat buyer Michael Piper, Avenix, Tumut, purchased two bulls paying $3000 for both.
His first purchases, Glenholme Nicolas, was sired by Invernaion Exeter and was the first calf of Glenholme Doreens K062. The other bull, Kirraweena Nike, was a Sugarloaf Houston son who sat in the top 10pc of the breed for EMA of +5.0
Speaking after the sale, stud principal Geoff Bush was very pleased with the sale result considering current difficult conditions and the cattle market.
"We really appreciated the support of returning clients who purchased bulls this year and those who just came and supported us on our sale day," he said.
Unjoined heifers sold for varying prices averaging $890 and topping at $1050 on two occasions for a full clearance of the 21 head.
The auction was conducted by Landmark and Holman Tolmie Pty Ltd, with Peter Godbolt and Steve Tolmie sharing the rostrum.
